AC Marriott Ogle reflects investor confidence in Guyana – President Ali

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday said the opening of the AC Marriott Hotel at Ogle represents a powerful vote of confidence in Guyana’s economy and a clear demonstration of the country’s intentional and forward-looking development agenda.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, President Ali praised the investors for advancing to the second phase of the project without delay, describing it as an endorsement of Guyana’s economic trajectory.

“Normally, when someone launches the first phase of a project, they wait to see if returns will come before launching the second phase. But this demonstrates confidence in our economy,” the President said.

He noted that the hotel’s development aligns with the government’s broader vision to modernise infrastructure, expand tourism, and create diversified economic opportunities.

President Ali highlighted significant growth in air travel and connectivity, pointing to sharp increases at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport over the past four years.

“Arriving traffic increased by close to 450 per cent, aircraft movement by over 440 per cent, and traffic across all ports of entry surpassed 1.2 million in 2025,” he stated.

“International carriers servicing our market grew by 220 per cent, and destinations served increased by 184 per cent. Those numbers speak for themselves.”

The president emphasised that economic growth is closely linked to security and stability, noting that Guyana has made major investments in technology-driven crime-fighting and intelligence.

“The success of our businesses and our economic expansion depends heavily on how secure a region we have,” he said, adding that Guyana now records its lowest crime levels in more than a decade.

The head of state assured hotel developers and tourism stakeholders that the government will work collaboratively with the sector to ensure sustainable success.

“You are with a government that will sit with all the hotels, resorts and tourism outlets to develop a joint strategy, not only in marketing, but in targeting,” President Ali said.

Tourism, he added, remains a foundational pillar of Guyana’s development, requiring quality infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, and responsible citizenship.

“We can have the best changing skylines and road networks, but we also have to have the best citizens. We all have to be the best we can be,” the President said.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the investor group, Chief Executive Officer John Aboud expressed gratitude to the people and government of Guyana for the partnership that made the project possible.

Aboud disclosed that the current phase of the development will provide permanent employment for approximately 250 persons, with 98 per cent of the workforce being Guyanese, many of whom are undergoing continuous training in the hospitality sector.

He announced that construction of the next phase will commence shortly and is expected to be completed within two years. That phase will include a lifestyle centre spanning 80,000 square feet, an A-class office and professional park of 180,000 square feet, and 24 luxury residential units.

When completed, the overall investment is projected to reach approximately US$200 million.

“This investment will stand as a testament to the serenity of the rhythm of the water, and the relationship between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago,” Aboud said.

In his closing remarks, President Ali said the AC Marriott Ogle sends a strong message well beyond Guyana’s borders.

“It says Guyana is open, Guyana is confident, and Guyana is serious about quality. We are not waiting to be discovered. We are preparing to be chosen,” he said.

The president assured investors of the government’s continued partnership.

“All the Government of Guyana wants is for you to be successful, to continue to grow and to realise the ambition of your investment,” President Ali said.